The Seven Oaks School Division is now accepting applications for what may be the first ever Filipino bilingual program in Canada.

If enough students register, the program, which will be 50 per cent English and 50 per cent Filipino, will be offered to students in Kindergarten through to grade 3.

Brian O'Leary, superintendent of Seven Oaks School Division says, it is important to offer language programs such as this.

"It's always a plus to learn an additional language. It is never a take away, it's always just an additional skill set. It furthers their academic development," said O' Leary. "With any of our language programs, it is an opportunity for kids to stay connected to their family, their heritage, learn a language and develop their minds."

The Seven Oaks School Division currently has a long standing Ukrainian bilingual Program, as well as an Ojibway bilingual program that is is heading into its third year. So as a school division, O' Leary says they have plenty of experience in launching a program like this

Although they have already received a number of registrations, O' Leary says they are still a bit shy of the number they need to be at.

"There is certainly a very committed and energetic group of parents supporting it, and wanting it, but I think our Board of Trustees needs to see that there is sufficient interest on the part of parents enrolling students in the program to make it viable longer term," explained O' Leary.

Parents interested in registering their kids in the program can do so at any early years school in the Seven Oaks School Division.

A decision on whether or not to pursue this new language program will be made in May.